Bahrain could host 2014 season opener

The Bahrain International Circuit could host the season opening race in 2014.

Circuit boss Zayed Alzayani said on Friday that he would be open to Sakhir Circuit hosting the final pre-season test and the first race of the 2014 season.

"It's a good start to the season, it gives us the chance to have the teams here longer, there is more anticipation, more unknowns, how the cars will react to the new tyres, the regulations, the drivers are just back into their rhythm," he told reporters in Bahrain.

"But the decision is not entirely ours. We are talking about 2014 onwards but it's a bit early to talk about the calendar for 2014. We're open to suggestion."

The circuit hosted the season opening race in 2006, replacing Melbourne due to the Australian city hosting the Commonwealth Games.

Bahrain also played host to the first race of 2010 and was due to hold 2011's season opener until it was cancelled due to civil unrest.

Bernie Ecclestone is open to the idea of the circuit marking the start of the season.

"We could do, I suppose, couldn't we," he said.

"We changed because Australia had been around a long time and wanted to maintain on it. We would need to have a look at it."